Dare I say, I am learning? After our cold snap the weather has been absolutely marvelous. Sunny days harken the call of spring and for someone that built a greenhouse in their backyard, the call to plant is strong. So far I have staved off early onset spring fever.
You know the feeling. The days are growing longer, new flowers are blooming, trees are showing their first leaves, everyone is wearing less clothes. It is hard not to get frenetically excited for the anticipation of summer. For me, this frantic time has led to over-planting, quickly flipping crops before they establish, and acting impulsively. It could be the growing pains of learning any trade, but with such fleeting seasons as vegetables in Colorado I will give myself an extra pass.
This year has been different. Previously I have spent hours, days, making an extensive crop plan only to see it fall by the wayside a few weeks into the season. Instead, I am taking a more relaxed approach. Starting slowly with only the bare minimum heading into production. Then waiting for the right windows to plant longer season crops. Followed by successions knowing I can always direct-seed if I am short on transplants.
Folks Farm and Seed is dialing. A process being reinforced by writing a business plan to streamline our efforts and not waste (as much) energy. Combined with limiting the locations we operate the business feels like it is finding an even keel.
That being said, we have some big decisions to make. As the growing season approaches I am asking where are the weak points and how can we address them? Weeds are always a struggle, moving products can be challenging, providing food year round remains a goal. In the past I would write about these problems and then based on my feelings afterwards choose how to respond. Now, with a deeper understanding of Folks Farm and Seed as a business I have access to new skills to help guide these choices.
Well Folks, we are looking forward to a great week. On our to-do list is finalizing and presenting our business plan (6:30 Wednesday night at the Colorado Extension Building if you’d like to join), planting in the nursery, sending seed orders, and continuing improvements to our South Farm.
I hope you are enjoying a peek into a young farmer's brain. If you are, consider telling your friends, sharing, or leaving a comment. Till next week!
Getting these blog posts is a delight every time I check my email. Thanks for continually sharing your beautiful words!